Face lifts have been around for more than a century, and even if you don’t know much about them, chances are you’ve come across at least one person who has undergone one. A face lift can help restore a youthful look to your skin and get rid of sagging skin without resorting to surgery.
It is a fact that most people are not born with the perfect face. Aging, sun damage and many other factors can cause wrinkles and sagging skin that can make you look older than you actually are. However, there is a solution to this problem: face lift surgery. Face lifts are performed by plastic surgeons to remove excess skin and tighten underlying tissue so that the face looks more youthful.
If you’re considering a face lift, you’re likely hoping that it will give you back a more youthful appearance. However, there are some things you can do to prepare for the procedure so that your surgery results in optimal results.
Here are some tips to help prepare:
Choosing a surgeon
A qualified plastic surgeon has the training and skills to help you achieve the best possible results. He or she will be able to answer your questions, give you a realistic expectation of what it is like to live with a face lift and address any concerns you may have. They will also perform a thorough physical examination, including an assessment of your skin, and discuss whether you are likely to be a good candidate for surgery.
Check-up before surgery
If you are having a general anesthesia, make sure to have all your medical tests done before surgery, including blood work and EKG. This is important because it gives you peace of mind knowing that everything is normal with your health and will help the surgeon determine how much time he needs to operate on you during surgery.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is bad for your health in general, but it also has a direct effect on your skin. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes cause blood vessels to tighten, which reduces blood flow to your skin. This causes wrinkles, discoloration and sagging. If you smoke, it’s best to quit before your surgery. Some doctors may even require that you do so. If you’re having trouble quitting, talk with your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy or other methods that can help you kick the habit for good.
Prepare your home for recovery.
Before the surgery, make sure that you have a private room set up in your home where you can rest and recover after the procedure. You’ll also want to move any furniture in the room so that it’s as close to flat as possible. This will make it easier for you to lie down on it without straining your neck or back muscles.
Try to stay calm
If you’re nervous about having a face lift, try not to worry too much before the surgery. Face lifts are generally safe and effective procedures with very few complications. They can give you the results you want, but they won’t make drastic changes overnight. If you’re unhappy with how your face looks now, it may take some time before your new skin has fully settled into place after surgery.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water before, during and after surgery will help keep your skin healthy and minimize swelling. Be sure to drink enough water before your surgery so that you don’t get dehydrated from anesthesia or pain medication.
Eat healthy foods before the surgery
You’ll want to eat small meals before your face lift procedure. Food may be hard to digest following surgery, so it’s important not to eat anything too heavy or spicy before your procedure. Eat foods that are easy on your digestive system, like vegetables and lean proteins. If you’re not sure what kind of foods you should be eating, talk with your doctor about any dietary restrictions he or she has in mind.
Take vitamins
During recovery from a facelift, it’s important to keep your immune system strong and healthy so any infections don’t become a problem. You should also make sure that you’re eating right during this time period so that you don’t lose too much weight while recovering from surgery. Vitamins such as vitamin C and E are particularly important because they help strengthen skin cells and protect against sun damage. If possible, consider taking these vitamins before undergoing your facelift procedure as well as during recovery time afterward.
Keep your head elevated while sleeping
You will be advised by your surgeon to sleep on your back as much as possible after the surgery. This is because it helps reduce swelling and other pain. It also helps prevent blood from collecting in your head which could lead to complications.
Avoid alcohol consumption.
Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing an infection during the recovery period. You should also avoid smoking or tobacco products before and after your surgery. Smoking increases your risk of developing blood clots and infections during this period as well.
Limit sun exposure
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin and cause wrinkles, so don’t expose yourself to the sun for at least 10 days before your surgery and avoid tanning salons for at least three months after your surgery.
Ask questions.
Before you have a face lift, make sure that your doctor is experienced in performing the procedure. He or she will likely have a portfolio of before and after photos to show you. If you’re still uncertain about your doctor’s skills or expertise, ask to see before and after pictures of his or her patients who’ve had similar procedures.
Give yourself plenty of time to recover.
You’ll need about six weeks before your incisions will be completely closed and healed. This is an important factor when deciding whether or not you want to undergo this type of procedure because it allows enough time for healing so that you won’t have any visible scars after the procedure is complete. It also gives you enough time for recovery so that you don’t feel too tired or sore during this process.
Stop Using Blood Thinners
Blood thinners are commonly used to prevent clots, but they can also cause extra bleeding during surgery. Stop taking any blood thinners at least two weeks before your procedure.
Schedule time off work.
You’ll need to take at least two weeks off from work after surgery to allow your incisions to heal properly. If you’re not able to take this much time away from work, consider delaying until you can take more time off. This means postponing the procedure until after summer vacations or taking time off during the holidays so that you aren’t missing much work at all.
Find ways to relax and reduce stress.
Stress can affect your overall health in many ways, including making it harder for your body to heal after surgery. If you’re planning a face lift or other cosmetic surgery, find ways to reduce stress in your life before going under the knife. This could include meditation, yoga or other relaxation techniques.
Take your medications as directed
Your doctor may prescribe medications for pain relief and inflammation after your surgery. Make sure that you take these medications exactly as directed by your doctor so that they are effective in relieving pain or swelling after the surgery. If you have questions about whether or not you should take a medication — or if there’s any reason why it’s unsafe for you to do so — ask your doctor about it before taking any medicine on your own.
